SEAL of Approval by Jack Silkstone Read Free Book Online

rumors.”
    “Appreciate that, sir.”
    “The good news is with Axe missing we’ve got more time to appeal his discharge and destruction. I’ve nominated him for a heroism award. That should assist the process. Now, if he could just stay ‘lost’ for a week or three that should give us enough time.”
    Mike wasn’t sure what to say. He swallowed the lump in his throat and fumbled for words. “Sir, I–”
    “It’s all good, son. As far as I’m concerned that dog’s as important as any of my SEALs. In fact I’d swap him for half of Bravo Platoon. Their antics have caused me nothing but grief this week. Now, get out my office so I can sort out this shit storm.”
    As Mike left the headquarters and walked back to the team room he was filled with hope. Between Doctor Taylor, his squad, and now the commander there was a good chance Axe would be fine. Hell, if Conner had his way, the dog would become a decorated hero.
    Entering the team room he found TJ and the others inspecting new marksman rifles.
    Rick greeted him with a grin. “Hey brother, did you hear the news?”
    “Yeah, allegedly Axe escaped from death row.” Mike smiled.
    “Our furry friend’s going to be a decorated war hero,” added TJ.
    Mike blinked back tears and cleared his throat. “The only reason he’s still alive is because of you guys. In fact this is the second time Rick’s saved him.”
    “Don’t mention it, he’s a team-mate. Now, how about you give us the details on this sexy vet?”
    He shook his head. “Always thinking with your dick, Rick. She knows her stuff. Axe is going to be staying with her for a few weeks.”
    Rick grinned. “Damn, she must be hot if you’re letting her look after your dog.”
    “She’s attractive, but not my type.”
    “Not your type,” said Ernie. “You mean she doesn’t have fake boobs and she’s not going to steal all your shit?” He and Rick burst into laughter.
    TJ handed Mike one of the marksman rifles. “OK, enough shit talking. Let’s get these bad boys down to the range.”

 
    Chapter Five
     
    Spots of rain fell from a grey sky as Vicente Barbosa leant over his brother’s coffin and gently straightened the dead man’s tie. “I am alive today, Juan, because you saved my life. I swear on my soul that I will find the man who took yours. I will tear his heart from his chest and grind it under my boot.” He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye before turning to face the crowd that had come to pay tribute to the brother of the Butcher.
    Maneuvering through the people he shook hands, while forcing a smile, and nodded as they offered their sympathies. Once clear of the mourners, he weaved through the tombstones to the convoy of black SUVs parked at the edge of the cemetery. A dozen heavily armed guards waited for him. Until vengeance was his, Barbosa wasn't taking any chances. If the Americans wanted to kill him they would need to send more than a handful of SEALs.
    “Where is Raul?” he asked as he reached the convoy.
    His head of security rounded one of the SUVs. “Here.”
    Barbosa glanced at a vehicle climbing the track toward them as he reached into his jacket, withdrew a handkerchief and wiped the raindrops from his aviator sunglasses. “Do you know who killed my brother?”
    Raul shook his head. “No, we're still reviewing the CCTV footage.”
    The approaching vehicle pulled in behind his SUVs. A moment later five men dressed in dark suits and sunglasses exited. Barbosa's security detail eyeballed them as they approached and positioned themselves a few yards away.
    He glared at his head of security. “They're with us. You've had eight days and still nothing?”
    “We know they're SEALs.”
    The corner of Barbosa’s lip curled into a snarl. “I told you that, you idiot.” He reached into his jacket again as the party of suits arrived.
    One of the men stepped forward, removing his sunglasses. His jet black eyes locked on to Barbosa’s. The thin moustache crowning the